Microsoft Office 2003 or 2007? help!!

[snowball22]

Please help!! I am not that savy when it comes to computers. A few months agao, I signed up for a trial of Microsoft Office 2003 so the kids could do their homework as required by the teachers. Anyway, the trial has expired and now I need to purchase it. While surfing, I noticed that there is a Microsoft Office 2007. Also to confuse things even more, there is a version for students. First of all, does anyone know if the 2007 version is better than the 2003 version and does it run smoothly or are there glitches in the program? Also, if I get the 2007 version, should I get a basic version or get the student version. The Microsoft word would basically be used for the kid's homework and for job resumes. Thanks everyone.

 

[CarolG]

The first thing you need to do is look at the system requirements for the software and be sure that your PC will run it. Check this link for Office 2007 requirements: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/suites/HA101668651033.aspx

We've used the Student version of Office 2003 for our home PC and eventually the PCs the kids took to college and have been pleased with the available features. I don't really know what's "new and improved" in Office 2007.

 

[salmoneous]

Do yourself a huge favor and get the 2003 version. With the new version you can end up with files that other people can't read, or you ask for help and people just know how to use the old version and not the new one.

Or, if you want to be a cheapskate - you can download OpenOffice or free. Works just like MS Office, without the cost.

 

[bicker]

I'll disagree with Sal. The 2007 version represents a great advancement in user-interface design. It takes a few weeks to get used to, but once you get used to it you realize just how much more pleasant it makes the office-work experience.

 

[Cool-Beans]

I had 2003 and now have 2007. I did not like 2007 when I first started using it, but absolutely love it now. There are NO glitches, no problems, no nothing with the Office 2007. It's Vista that causes the problems, and don't even get me started on that.

It is very true that nobody can read anything you send, though. You have to send them the (free) thing to download so they can read, edit and save your stuff. But soon enough, 2007 will be the thing. You might as well get it now. And you'll like it better, after a while. I did, anyway.

You can try it out for free, if you want. If you search for it, you'll find the freebie trial thingy.

 

[bicker]

I believe with MS Word 2007 you can save your files in the old format, if you wish, so others can read the files.

 

[Cool-Beans]

I believe with MS Word 2007 you can save your files in the old format, if you wish, so others can read the files.

This could be true. I refuse to learn anything at all about computers in order to use them, so if it requires any kind of learning that isn't just playing around, I don't do it.

That's why (with the GIGANTIC exception of Vista) I really like Microsoft and feel some love for Bill Gates. I can do all kinds of cool stuff without learning anything.

 

[fabshelly]

I have mad love for Office 2007.

I tried Vista and liked it, but am gonna wait a while before I buy and install it.